How to Tear Down an Old Fence

Does Your Fence Need to Be Taken Down?

First, assess if you actually need to remove the fence. If the fence is generally intact, it may be easier and less expensive to just repair the damaged parts. Check prices of materials, as well as any fence repair labor costs, before deciding to take down the fence.

Prepare to Tear Down Your Old Fence

Remember that many fences are the borders between properties. It can be hard to tell who owns a fence. You should always check with your neighbors before removing, repairing, or replacing a fence.

Because most fence posts are set into the ground, you should check if there are any utility lines in the area which might be disturbed by digging. Call the Austin Digger’s Hotline or your utility company to find out.

Have a plan to dispose of the fence

Fences are large, and likely won’t be taken by your local garbage disposal company, so hire a trash hauler or take your fence to the dump yourself. Nails can also come loose while removing a fence, so be sure to pick these up and dispose of them safely.

Removing Your Old Fence

Start by removing the fence panels first. These are the sections that run between the individual fence posts. If this is a chain fence, it’ll typically unfasten from the posts. If your fence is wooden, you can strip the panels from the posts using an electric saw. Alternately, you can use a hammer to tap the fence board away from the rail holding it so you can then pull the nail out and remove the panels board by board.

Many fence posts are set in concrete footings. To remove the post without digging, bolt a jig made from a 2×4 to the post, then hook a jack to the jig. From there, you should be able to lever the fence post, with its footing, out of the ground.